To Tenere or to Explorer

[Boricua]

Versys rider here looking for an upgrade on my trusted awesome 2008 Versys. The most fun bike you can have under $8K dollars and probably the only bike I would ever need if not for the need to ride long distances two up.

I test rode a Super Tenere a week ago. Really good bike , super comfortable, good power,good handling (for a bike that size). Seems like a bike that can do everything I need very well. However, when I got off the bike the first thing that went through my mind was " I want to try something else before I decide.

Lat Sat I test ride an R 1200GS and a Tiger Explorer. I'm not going to waste my time talking about the GS. It's been taken of my list. However, the Explorer just got me. It is the nicest engine/bike I've ever tried. I think I'm in love.

However, there is a lot of good things to say about the Super Tenere. I need t hear it from the owners. My biggest concern and the reason why I'm still considering the Tenere is total cost of ownership. European bikes maintenance cost scrare me. Is the Tenere as reliable and cheap to maintain as my Versys?

 

[Karson]

In short - it is a phenomenal bike in almost all aspects of ownership. It's first year of ownership for many has passed, so before more folks chime in with a detailed response, perhaps this will lead you in the right direction.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=5254.0

 

[stevepsd]

You know the Super Tenere is made in Japan? So yes it is about as cheap and reliable as Japanese things are...which set the gold-standard in this area. Saying that, my Triumph Tiger has also been as reliable as any Japanese motorcycle I have owned.

The ST has some of the best off-road capability in a ADV type bike, and can eat up the pavement but the Explorer is much more street orientated with some (but not much, IMHO) off-road capability.

 

[Boricua]

The thread you recommended is good reading. Sounds a lot like a thread in the Versys forum. The Versys is rock solid. The only thing I 've had to do in three years and about 20K miles is fix a leak in the front forks. Other than that gas, oil. and tires . The Tenere is starting to sound like that. Any info about the cost of maintenance? What is the average cost per scheduled maintenance in your area?

 

[Boricua]

Which Tiger? The dealer had two 2010 1050's one with only 4K in the odometer. He also had an 06 955 with about 2K. Not on the list but alternatives if the wife does not approve the budget. The 1050's are listed for $10.9K the 955 for $7.8K. Im curious about the 1050. Looks like a fun ride.

Not all Japanese bikes are assembled in Japan. Kawa have a big facility in Taiwan or Indonesia. The 08 are all from Japan. However, some of the 09 were built in factories outside japan and have heard some issues. Nothing big though.

 

[snuffcityrider]

I've had three Triumphs, America, Rocket lll and the Speed Four. All great bikes and gave me very little if any trouble. The dealer that I used was having trouble getting parts in a timely fashion, he would even order form Bike Banditt sometimes. It was that and the over all dealership availability when out and about that steered me towards the Tenere. I would love to have the 800cc Tiger, looks like a fun bike with about 100 lbs less weight to manage.

 

[GrahamD]

I would love to have the 800cc Tiger, looks like a fun bike with about 100 lbs less weight to manage.

It is as long as you have a good relationship with the insurance company. If you have one that makes you pay if you claim, watch the fact it has a one piece frame, rear frame, rear foot peg hanger ASSEMBLY. The bike won't leave you stranded but over here it's a write off with any damage to that major part.

Maybe different in the states.

 

[markjenn]

The S10 may have a small edge in reliability and maintenance costs, but the latest Triumphs are pretty good too; if you like the Explorer better, I wouldn't let this difference play much of a factor.

- Mark

 

[cosmic]

To Tenere or to Explorer... Hm
Imo, to Explore with Tenere.


©

 

[houndman]

I just recieved my latest copy of Cycle World and they break it down pretty good the Explorer and Super Ten. Worth a read. ::008::

 

[Rasher]

Firstly I think they are quite different bikes, the Triumph is really a tall sports-tourer, and that put me off as I wanted something that did not have a natural cruising speed in three figures and could be smashed along crap surfaces - I don't mean off-road, just UK roads are rapidly becoming unpaved near me.

For reliability and costs I don't think you can beat Jap bikes, most dealers will service other Jap brands and independants will also welcome the Yamaha, and of course it is relatively easy to do most of the work yourself with minimal skills and little requirement for specialist tools and diagnostic equipment.

Good job you ruled out BMW as these can go wrong, are loathed by most independants and certainly avoided by Jap dealers, often leaving you with franchised BMW outfits that charge about twice as much as independants and 50% more than Jap dealers (or at least they do in the UK)

I think as a general rule the Triumph is less likely to "fall apart like a cheap watch" (Copywrite Kevin Scwantz) than the BMW, but it is still a brand new model with a brand new engine and brand new drive train - but they have been building (generally) reliable triples for years, just the new drive train that would bother me, especially in view of the fact BMW have yet to get a single sided shaft drive system reliable after nearly ten years of trying.

The Tenere has been well tested by Nick Saunders, albeit one test, but Yamaha typically build very reliable bikes, they have experience of this engine layout, the shaft has been well tested on more powerful bikes and I think Yamaha put a lot into making sure the bike was sturdy as it has to be the biggest selling point over the BMW and they could not afford any reports of reliability issues.

In the UK Triumphs are more expensive to service than Jap bikes, but the explorer has longer service intervals if your doing high miles (don't forget they will expect an annual service) but on lower mileages they won't be cheaper as labour rates will be higher and dealers a bit more spread out.

The biggest advantage to the Yamaha for me was I can service it myself and feel no need to extend the warranty "just in case", I have faith in the bike being reliable and repairs being few and far between - and cheap enough even if I need to send it to a shop.

 

[20valves]

I haven't ridden the Explorer but the newest Cycle World compared that bike to the Tenere, Multistrada and the Guzzi Stelvio. The article flatly stated that the Triumph was an off road poser. A great street bike with a great engine but not really off road capable. So, if you're going to be only on the street and maybe some very smooth dirt roads, it may be a great choice for you. Also, it has a very slick factory cruise control standard. I love my Tenere though and continue to be amazed at where it can take me and my stuff.

Happy hunting!

 

[gmsnowball]

+1........... love my S10. ::021::

 

[Venture]

Versys rider here looking for an upgrade on my trusted awesome 2008 Versys. The most fun bike you can have under $8K dollars and probably the only bike I would ever need if not for the need to ride long distances two up.

I test rode a Super Tenere a week ago. Really good bike , super comfortable, good power,good handling (for a bike that size). Seems like a bike that can do everything I need very well. However, when I got off the bike the first thing that went through my mind was " I want to try something else before I decide.

Lat Sat I test ride an R 1200GS and a Tiger Explorer. I'm not going to waste my time talking about the GS. It's been taken of my list. However, the Explorer just got me. It is the nicest engine/bike I've ever tried. I think I'm in love.

However, there is a lot of good things to say about the Super Tenere. I need t hear it from the owners. My biggest concern and the reason why I'm still considering the Tenere is total cost of ownership. European bikes maintenance cost scrare me. Is the Tenere as reliable and cheap to maintain as my Versys?

I've ridden both bikes as well, and I'm currently still riding my Tiger 1050. My drive to replace the Tiger was muted this year due to work and family obligations, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it. With that said...

Both bikes are VERY close in ability and character. To me the differentiation is this: do you want or need a bike that can go anywhere? Or, are you going to be on-road all the time? If you're going to go off pavement, then the Tenere is the winner. When I rode it my initial impression was that it was a huge dirt bike. I felt I could go anywhere with it. The Explorer did not give me that same impression, rather it stunned me with the engine as it did you.

I've gone (and still go) round-and-round on what I think I'll end up doing, and simply upgrading the suspension on my 1050 has been thrown in the mix as of late. Recently I was on a trip to Northern PA (in a 4x4) and was driving many dirt roads, and I just kept thinking to myself that if I didn't go with the Tenere I'd be making a big mistake. *I* want to make sure that I'm not caught in a bad situation off-pavement (like I've been in on the Tiger 1050), and if that's the most important thing (go anywhere) then the Tenere is the bike. If that's not important to you then I'd say pick the bike that gets your heart pumping the fastest.

 

[fjrden]

Luv the S10

 

[528Hz]

being an owner of a 2008 speed triple 1050 I can say the following:
triumph bikes are work of art. triple engine is a tractor monster. bored out 1200 is even more of a monster. my speedy bike has been through rain quite a few times, never had a problem where it wouldn't start or anything like that.
but...
at 100 miles impeller on a water pump fell out and electrical system got fried. Waited 2 weeks for a new wp and wiring under warranty. after replacement no issues like that.

at 10K miles many fasteners on a bike came loose including oil pan bolts. I could undo them with my fingers. This issue seems to be persisting in new speed triples as I chat with the new model owners. I guess they don't like using thread locker. Now speed triple is not a tiger adventure in terms of what it can do, but this gave me a general understanding about the company and that is:

-craftsmanship issues
-parts supply

these 2 is why I passed on it and you probably won't find too many of the tiger adventure bikes here in the US anyway.
Depending on what you plan on doing with the tiger adv or where you plan on taking it this could be something to consider.
Your experience may vary.

 

[MrTwisty]

Are you really coming to the Super Tenere forum looking for an unbiased opinion? I bet you could get a positive unbiased endorsement for the Explorer on the Explorer forum, assuming they have one.

 

[52edub]

I went to the International M/C Show in Charlotte this last Februrary. I got a chance to look at both the S10 and the new Triumph Tiger Explorer. Only one quick thought popped in my mind after checking out the S10 and then walking over to check out the Tiger. It was a beast to get off the side stand. That got me thinking and when I sitting on the bike I thought, wow, top heavy. Well, availability, lack of dealerships and cost sent me on my way to the Yamaha dealer. Now that several publications have test ridden the Tiger they back up my initial concern with the bike, it's top heavy. Just my 2 cents. My S10 is a keeper.

 

[korie]

i LOVE my Super Tenere'. it does everything that i could hope or wish for. maintenance is easy, parts will be easy to get, and if stranded there are many dealerships or parts places around the country/world. add this all to the reliability and i have what i will ride for many years to come.

 

[RIGS]

I have and S10 and if I could do it over, I'd probably go for the Explorer....
Just my 2 Cents....